Jarman Park’s Planet Ice can stay open - for now

A celebration party was held at Jarman Park’s ice rink on Sunday after campaigners were told the venue would be keeping its doors open - for now.

The bash was intended to be a farewell get together as Planet Ice was expected to close its doors for the last time.

But at the last minute Leisure World site operators Capital and Regional said the venue can remain open while it explores whether the rink can be a part of future renovation plans for the Hemel Hempstead base.

Spokesman for Save Hemel Ice Rink Mandy Segall said: “We are delighted at the situation and we hope to continue to work with Capital and Regional and everybody involved to make sure the rink is advertised and used in the future.”

Campaigners had marched through the town centre on Friday in a last-ditch attempt to save the rink.

Capital and Regional, who are currently in the process of selling the run down site to Tesco Pension Fund, has confirmed it is exploring whether the ice rink can be retained and has entered talks with Planet Ice, with the help of borough council leader Andrew Williams.

A spokesman Kathleen MacMillan said: “There can be no guarantees and we must carefully explore whether the ice rink can be a sustainable part of the development moving forward.

“However, it is hoped that we can reach an agreement which will secure the future of the ice rink. In the short-term, the rink will remain open and we will make a further statement on longer-term plans as soon as we can.”

Planning permission has already been granted for the renovation of the site but this does not currently include an ice rink.